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A SUMMER HOME-. 






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HOWE'S CAVE, 



SCHOHARIE COUNTY, N. Y. 



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W, S, McKEAN, 



Manai^Er, 






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Ai.uANV, N. Y. : 
Van Benthuvsen Phinting House, 



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CITY AND COUNTRY 



By Oliver Wendell Holmes, M. ]). 



Come back to your mother, ye children, for shame, 
Who have wandered, like truants, for riches and fame I 
With a smile on her face, and a sprig in her cap. 
She calls you to feast from her bountiful lap. 

Come (Hit from your alleys, your courts, and your lanes. 
And breathe, like your eagles, the air of our plains; 
Take a wliifTfrom our fields, and your excellent wives 
Will declare 'lis all nonsense insuring your lives. 

Come, you of the law, who can talk, if you ]ilease. 
Till the man in the moon will allow it's a cheese. 
And leave "the old lady, that never tells lies," 
To slee]) with her Imndkerchief over her eyes. 

Ve healers of men, for a moment decline 

Your feats in the rhul)arb and ipecac line ; 

While you shut up your turnpike, your neighbors can go 

The old roundal)out road to the regions below. 

^'ou clerk, on whose ears are a couple of pens, 
And whose head is an ant-hill of units and tens ; 
Though I'lato denies you, we welcome you still — 
As a " featherless biped," in spite of your ipiill. 

Poor drudge of the city! how happy he feels 

With the burs on his legs and the grass at his heels I 

No dodger behind his bandanas to share — 

No constable gruml)ling, " Vou mustn't walk there I " 



Then come from all parties and parts to our feast ; 
Though not at the ".\sior," we'll give you at least 
A bite at an apple, a seat on the grass, 
And the best q{ pure — luater — at nothing a glass I 



WHC-RD SH./1LL WD GO?' 



With every recurring spring the question is often asked, in the family circle 
and in the place of business, in fact on every hand, " Where shall we go this 
siimtner?" and as soon as the interesting and important question is satisfac- 
torily settled, then commence the active preparations for the annually looked- 
for summer vacation from the trials and confinements of a busy city life during 
a long and severe winter season. Many details are taken into consideration, 
however, before this final conclusion can be reached. New and attractive 
spots are often wanted, ease of access thereto must be looked into, the climatic 
variation is inquired about, pure spring water is demanded — a most important 
requisite ; superior cuisine and courteous attention expected. All these require- 
ments, with many more, must be had to insure a genuine season of comfort and 
pleasure. It is not impossible to find just such a place as one may wish, for 
there are many ; but it is sometimes hard to decide'between them, and it there- 
fore becomes necessary to call in a "friend," as we now propose to constitute 
ourselves in presenting the following pages for your earnest consideration. 

It is with some degree of satisfaction that we can sincerely recommend to 
you as meeting all the requirements mentioned 

THE PAVILION HOTEL, 

which has been erected with an eye single to the health and comfort of its 
patrons, fully realizing that in doing this its popularity and success is assured. 
It is constructed both of stone and wood, is three stories in height, and so 
arranged, both interior and exterior, that the most exacting person cannot take 
exceptions. The sleeping-rooms are all large and elegantly furnished. Many 



are arranged en steite, with private parlor, bath, etc. The house is lit through- 
out with gas, heated by steam when necessary, every room connected with the 
office by electric bell, hot and cold baths on every floor. 

THE PARLORS 

are large, handsomely furnished with every desirable requisite, and so situated 
as to command a magnificent view of the picturesque valley and mountain 
ranges beyond. 

THE DINING-ROOM 

is spacious and cheerful, and arranged so that it can, if desirable, be subdivided 
into several rooms for private parties or families. All the requisites are of the 
best quality. This department of the hotel will have the best attention. 
A comfortable dining-room is also provided for nurses and children. 

THE CUISINE. 

While not intending to make any exaggerated claim upon this score, for this 
is too often done, yet we cannot refrain to assert the intention to make it a close 
study ; and it will be the earnest endeavor of the Manager to furnish the table 
with nothing but the best that money can procure, prepared in a wholesome and 
palatable style, and served with promptness and politeness. The Pavilion 
Hotel is located in a most fertile region, which will permit us to furnish in 
abundance fresh fruit and vegetables, and pure milk and butter, all of which 
are eagerly sought and duly appreciated by those seeking " truly a summer 
home." 

THE OFFICE. 

This important department is fully in keeping with all others. It is large, 
light and airy,^ and furnished with every requirement of a first-class establish- 
ment. A very attractive and desirable feature is the immense fire-place, in 
which, when the weather might require, as it sometimes does at so high an alti- 
tude as the hotel is located, a grand old " New England log fire " can be made, 
around which at eventide all love to congregate. 

SANITARY ARRANGEMENTS. 

This most important feature, as it should, has had special attention, both in 
and outside the hotel, for, we regret to say, it is a subject that is many times 
neglected in summer hotels, and is one that will be given due consideration by 
those contemplating a sojourn at such resorts. In the Pavilion Hotel a perfect 
system of water supply, drainage and ventilation has been established, thus 
making the air therein pure and invigorating during the warmest season. 



Facing the south, with no obstructions on either the east or west, at an altitude 
of over one thousand feet above sea level, with spruce and pine groves in close 
proximity, it will at once be admitted that it possesses superior recommenda- 
tions. 

In addition to all we have mentioned, it is peculiarly gratifying to be able to 
call attention to still another important feature, that of drinking 7vater. The 
hotel is supplied with 

PURE SPRING WATER, 

which is drawn from Crystal Spring in Howe's Cave, the supply being inex- 
haustible. Although we make no special claim as to its medicinal qualities, 
yet it has been pronounced by competent persons to possess rare properties, 
having in a number of known cases produced the most beneficial results. It 
is as pure as crystal, and is peculiarly refreshing to all those who partake of 
it. This, we are sure, will not be overlooked by those to whom we have 
addressed these few pages. 

ENTERTAINMENT. 

Fully realizing that our guests will require entertainments of various kinds, 
we have provided for them, among other things, a billiard room, bowling alley, 
and a large hall for charades, concerts and dances. In addition to these indoor 
amusements will be arranged a tennis court, croquet lawn, swings, etc. 

Excursions will be arranged from time to time to Cooperstown (Otsego lake), 
Sharon Springs, Richfield Springs, Saratoga and other desirable places. 

In connection with the hotel is a first-class livery, where good vehicles and 
horses can l)e had at all times, and at reasonalile rates ; and as the region in 
which the hotel is situated is famous for its deliglitful drives, the livery will 
be generally availed of, no doubt. 

To the lovers oi piscatorial sport we can offer good black l>ass fishing witliin 
liut a comparatively short distance of the hotel. 

In all arrangements for entertainment due consideration for the comfort and 
])leasures of the children will be had, for it is desirous to make " The Pavil- 
ion " in reality a summer home, where all alike, young and old, may feel happy 
and contented. 

While under the head of " entertainment," we must not neglect to call your 
attention to the most interesting and wonderful feature in close proximity to 
the hotel, Howe's Cavk, a full description of which will l)e found further on. 
Here tlic student of nature can find rare studies. 

LOCATION. 

The I'aviliiiii Hotel is located witliin a few minutes' walk of Howe's Cave 
staliiin, nil iIr- Susciiiclianna (li\isii)ii nf llic 1 )rla\\are ami Hudson Canal < 'oni- 



pany's Railroad, thirty-nine miles west of Albany, N. Y. Numerous trains 
stop here daily, bringing the tourist from every section. Situated as it is on a 
spur of the Catskills, in the charming and famous Schoharie valley, at a high 
altitude, it would indeed be difficult to find in all New York State a more 
delightful spot for a summer residence, where everything combines to make a 
sojourn thereat an enjoyable one. 

From the spacious balconies of the hotel in the front is had a magnificent 
view, one that an admirer of nature loves to contemplate — the fertile valley in 
the foreground, with its rich fields of grain, its orchards of luscious fruit, the 
grazing cattle, the rippling brooks, the many happy country homes, with the 
majestic Catskills constituting the background. It is a perfect landscape indeed. 

In close proximity to the hotel is a fine grove, where walks have been laid 
out, seats arranged, swings erected, and many other desirable features intro- 
duced. 

HOW TO REACH THE PAVILION HOTEL. 

The situation of the hotel is good indeed for patrons from every section. 

Taking New York City as the main starting point, one has the choice of 

several desirable routes, as iollows : 

Via People's Line of Steamers — I-eave pier 41, North River, at 6 P. M., arriving 
at Albany early the next morning ; then take train of the D. & H. C. 
Co. 's R. R., reaching Howe's Cave station in time for breakfast. 

Via New York, West Shore aiid Buffalo Kailroad—\.tz.v& either Pennsylvania 
railroad depot, Jersey City, or depot foot of 42d street, or Weehawken, in the 
morning, arriving at Howe's Cave station in the afternoon. A buffet parlor 
car is attached to the trains of this road, running through to Howe's Cave, 
Sharon Springs and Cooperstown. This is a particularly desirable route 
for guests from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington and the South. 

Via Ne-v York Central and Hudson River Railroad^l^^^xa Grand Central 
Depot, 42d street, in the morning, arriving at Albany for dinner ; thence 
via D. c& H. C. Co.'s R. R., reaching Howe's Cave station before supper. 
The II p. M. train is also a very desirable one, bringing visitors to the 
hotel in the forenoon of the next day. 

The actual time from New York is but al)OUt six and a half hours. 

A parlor car is run through to Howe's Cave station on all trains from Albany. 
Baggage can be checked through from starting point. 

Visitors from the West via the Erie railroad and connections will change at 
Binghamton, taking at that point trains of the D. & H. C. Co.'s R. R., all of 
which arrive at Howe's Cave station at seasonable hours. Parlor cars are run 
on all day trains, and Pullman sleepers at night. 




¥IE¥ FROM PORCH OF THE PKYILION HOTEL. 



RATES FOR BOARD. 

The following rates for room and board will be observed throughout the 
season : 

Per day $2 50 to $3 50 

Per week 15 00 to 21 00 

iiy Special rates will be made for longer periods and for families. 

In making application for rates it is particularly desirable that applicants 
should state explicitly the time of probable arrival and length of sojourn, number 
of rooms required; if any children, how many, and ages, etc. By complying 
with this request much time can be saved in reaching conclusions, and possibly 
some annoyance and embarrassment to the applicant, for it is very important 
that these details should be known in advance. 

A first-class laundry is attached to the hotel. The charges of the same will 
be liberal, and work promptly executed. 

The Pavilion Hotel will be open for the reception of guests June ist. 

In order to secure a choice of rooms, applications should be made at once to 
the undersigned. To aitl in the selection of rooms, a diagram of the interior of 
the hotel will be furnished upon application. 

In conclusion, permit us to here reassert our intention to do all possible to 
merit a large patronage from every section ; adding also that it is our sincere 
belief that a no more desirable place can be selected by those now seeking a 
"summer home" than the Pavilion Hotel. 
Address 

W. S. McKEAN, Manager, 

Hcnve's Cave, Schoharie Co., N'. V. 



NATURE'S WONDER 



HOWE'S CAVE. 



It chanced that the writer, while in a half somnolent condition, induced jjy a 
long night's ride in a railroad car, overheard snatches of conversation which 
ran somewhat thus : 

"Yes, sir ; three miles right into tlie bowels of the earth — nothing like it in 
the whole^country, sir, aside from Mammoth Cave." 

" Pooh ! a mere drijiping crevice in the rocks, I presume, or a dirty hole in 
the ground." 

"No, sir; wide and high, with waterfalls, galleries and halls for three miles, 
and the end not reached yet." 

Subsequent inquiry elicited the fact that it was Howe's Cave, in Schoharie 
county. New York, which had formed the subject of this conversation, and the 
next opportunity which aiforded itself we visited the wonderful natural curios- 
ity. Howe's Cave is the name of a station on the Albany and .Susquehanna 
Railroad, thirty-nine miles west of Albany. 

A short climb of a few rods up the hill on the west side of Cobles Kill, 
brings the visitor to the hotel — an elegant stone and wood structure, well 
shaded, with broad cool piazzas, which overlook the fertile valley in front, 
with a considerable hill in the distance — a spur of the Catskills. Down a 
short flight of stairs from the office of the hotel, we find the dressing-rooms, 
and soon have on an underground suit, including thick boots, etc., and with an 
oscillating tin lamp rigged upon the end of a four-foot stick are ready for our 
underground journey. The entrance to the cave is direct from the house, 
almost the same as if it were a cellar. An irregular, circular opening in the 
limestone, through which we pass by a level path, l)rings us at once into an 



atmosphere of about 55 degrees, which, being a sudden transition of some 35 
degrees, produces a momentary chill; this, however, is soon gone, giving place 
to a delicious sense of coolness. A short distance brings us to the " Reception 
Room," some forty feet wide and fifteen feet high ; a wonderful place indeed, 
the walls and floor all ornamented with stalagmites. Near by, up an ascending 
path, we find another large room called the " Bridal Chamber," from the wall 
of which depends a huge stalagmite, known as " Washington's Epaulet," 
bearing a most striking resemblance to the object it is named after. The room 
is ornamented by a circular dome, so high that the light of the lamp does not 
render the top of it visible. On we go, and next come to a gallery seventy-five 
feet high, in the " Giant's Chapel," above the main path which traverses all the 
while a spacious hall from fifteen to twenty feet high. Two iron pipes are ob- 
served fastened to the rocks — one for gas, and the other for water. The water 
is taken from a subterranean lake further on which supplies the hotel, and the 
gas is manufactured in the hotel. Gas jets are lighted at intervals, which 
illuminate the underground galleries and passages, producing l)rilliant and 
weird effects. The path is quite level and tolerably dry, and the loose stones 
are cleaned out so that we walk with nearly the same facility that we would 
upon an ordinary road. Next we pome to the " Straight and Narrow Way," 
some three or four feet wide at the bottom, while at the height of a man's head 
it is so narrow that there is just room for the head to pass through. 

We have long since passed out of hearing of all noises from the outside 
world ; but now a strange unearthly sound comes from the depths beyond — a 
rumbling which awakens mysterious echoes. What is it? Presently the 
mystery is explained ; here is a pool of water which comes down a gentle incline 
alongside the path beyond, and forming a whirlpool, disappears in some cavity 
below. The "Pool of Siloam" this is called. Through the entire length 
stalagmites of the most fantastic shapes ornament the walls, while overhead 
stalactites hang from the roof like icicles. " The Giant's Spectacles " is one of 
these, which bears a most striking resemblance to a huge pair of eye-glasses. 
But what is this sound which comes from within — a heavy roar, as if a cataract 
had burst and was sweeping down upon us ? The first impulse is to retreat, 
and we should obey it, too, were we alone ; but our guide reassures us, and on 
we go. More wonders ! " The Meat Market," containing a stalagmitic quarter 
of beef hung upon the wall. 

The most striking feature is these wonderful deposits of carbonate of lime, 
produced by water charged with carbonic acid stolen from the soil percolating 
through the fissured rock above, and dissolving the lime, leaving the carbonate 
adhering to the sides, floors and roof. Here is a most remarkable deposit of 
many tons' weight — "The Tower of Babel," which blocks the path and reaches 
to a great height. The " Elephant's Head " and " Indian Dugout " are passed, 
and then we come to the " Haunted Castle," a large circular chamber, having 
a niche at one side iust wide enough to admit the body of our guide. 



T2 

A low note produced here echoes and re-echoes mysteriously through the 
silent chambers, completely filling the cavern with a weird vibration, unearthly 
and indescribable. Near by is the " Music Room," where musical tones 
appear to be never done echoing, but go dancing gayly about, returning again 
and again, filling the air with harmony. A wonderful place for echoes this. A 
board, on being raised and let fall with a " slap" upon the clayey path, sounds 
like a clap of near thunder, whose echoes roll and rumble frightfully. Just 
Ijeyond we pass the " Keel of Noah's Ark," and here the noise of the cataract 
increases to a thunderous sound. On we go ; it must be a young Niagara at 
least. Soon we come to it, and lo! a tiny waterfall some four or five feet high, 
and perhaps a foot wide, at tlie outlet of a little lake. 

We are now something over a mile from daylight, and here the gas-pipe ends. 
A boat is moored ready for us, which we enter. The Styx and old Charon are 
brought forcibly to mind. We push out on this miniature subterranean lake, 
sailing under a sandstone arch, the sides of which are ornamented with fantas- 
tic shapes in has relief, resembling divers objects. "The Egyptian Pyramids," 
the "Owl," "Elephant's Ear," "Sheep's Head," " Howe's Vegetable Oar- 
den," containing striking similitudes of beets, carrots, etc., " Lady of the 
Lake," her face turned modestly to the wall, " Washington's Monument," the 
"Circus Rider," "Old Church Organ," "Old-fashioned Pulpit" — all these 
are wonderfully suggestive of the names they have received. 

Here a stalagmite bears a striking likeness lo the date " 8ii." Put what is 
ihis ? A huge stalagmite, equal to a sphere of rock thirty feet in diameter, 
blocks the way from floor to roof, and we can only get around it through a 
creeping hole away at the top. A wonderful mass this, and strikingly sugges- 
tive of the long periods which must have been required in its forming. The 
lake, which is a quarter of a mile in length, is passed; and now we grope 
onward without gas by the dim light of our lamps. Here we find a huge hour- 
glass-shaped stalactite and stalagmite which have grown together in the center. 
But what is this overhead ? A long, level cornice of rock, hanging over the 
edge of which is a wonderful series of stalactites, like the edge of drajiery, 
forming wonderfully graceful curves and fringes. 

Here is the "Old Lady Dipping Candles." The forms of the stalactites seem 
to increase in beauty and interest the farther we go. Here are more drapery 
edges — "The Baby Elephant," "Uncle Tom's Cabin," with "Aunt Chloe's 
Bonnet" just as she left it, natural as life. Now we come to the " Yo Semite 
Valley," a deep caiion along the edge of which we creep fifty feet above the 
rushing stream below. Here is "Pike's Peak," a pure stalagmite forty feet 
high; and another, "The Leaning Tower of Pisa." "The Bottomless 
Pit " is passed, and next we come to a spot where the roof seems to have been 
crushed in. Overhead, for a considerable distance, are masses of rock, some 
of them weighing twenty or thirty tons, which seem to have been dropped and 
caught between the walls. We pass underneath these and through the 




CRYSTAL LAKE — PULPIT RDCK, 



H 

" Valley of Jehosapliat, " and soon afteiwaid the course, which seems to have 
been nearly straight thus far, is suddenly blocked by a solid wall. 

From this point another passage leads to the left, forming nearly a right 
angle with that which we have been following up. This passage has never 
been explored to its full extent. Another similar passage opens to the right, 
and as this is the easiest to walk through and our time is limited, we take that. 
More wonders yet, the first of which is the "Winding Way," a long passage 
which is only wide enough to pass through. This passage is very crooked, 
forming a long series of " S's," so that you can hardly see a person in any 
portion of it three feet ahead. This wonderful passage is said to be eighty 
rods long, and its walls — as, indeed, the walls throughout the entire course — 
are smooth as glass, though ridged and corniced with wonderful regularity. 
At the end of this crooked j)assage is the " Devil's Gateway " — rightly named, 
leading as it does opposite the straight and narrow way — and then we come to 
the " Silent Chamber." 

Hark ! we have long since passed out of hearing of the cataract and the 
ripple of the little brook which we lost near the end of the main passage, and 
now no sound reaches us from the outer \\ orld ; a stillness as of the grave holds 
everything in a silence so profound that it seems to be crystallized. 

"Now," quoth the guide in solemn tones, as if a dead man spoke, " Let us 
blow out our lights." 

" But — your matches — have you matches ? Recollect we are three miles from 
daylight, and — " 

"Here are matches, and see they are good," and out went both lights. 
" Now listen and watch for five minutes." 

And we listened in the silence that was really dead, and in the darkness that 
was really profound, watching the two mysterious, indistinctly luminous balls 
of light which our guide tells us are always seen by persons who try this 
experiment until the silence seemed to creep up and around us like some sulitle 
medium dense as water. There is a stillness in the heart of the great forest 
where the note of the singing bird is never heard, nor the chirp of an msect — a 
silence so deep that the grating of a lily pad against your boat sounds like harsh 
thunder, and the far-off note of the loon like the wail of a lost spirit awakening 
echoes which sound as if they might be heard, parhaps, once in a thousand 
years ; but here there is nothing but silence and darknes-s. 

Ah! here are the lights again and on we go, passing first a stalagmite clear 
as crystal, named the "Broken Column;" then through "Fat Man's Misery," 
a narrow passage in wiiich poor old Jack Falstaff would surely have stuck fast. 
From this point a passage through w hicli we are oliliged to crawl leads to the 
" Rotunda," the greatest wonder of all, a circular room twenty-five feet in 
diameter, and which rises, our guide tells us, to a height of three hundred feet, 
decreasing as the height increases so that at tlie top the space diminishes to a 
mere point. 'J'his was too much. 



" How do you know this hall is three lumrlred feet hight ? " wc inquiretl of 
our guide. To be sure, with our lights we couldn't see the top of it ; but then 
one was not quite obliged to believe such a tremendous story as that. 

" I'll tell you," he replied. " We have repeatedly fired rockets up into this 
space, and a rocket warranted to burst at three hundred feet just shows the 
upper end." This is the most wonderful feature of all, and fitly ends our 
mysterious journey. 

A brisk walk of an hour brings us to daylight once more, into which we 
emerge at the mouth of the cave as into a hot oven. 

" What is the history of this wonderful cave ? " 

So far as the present generation, or perhaps race, is aware, it is about as 
follows, we were told : 

In 1842, Lester Howe, an eccentric genius withal, was hunting foxes near 
the present mouth of this cave, and stepped into a hole which didn't seem to him 
to have any bottom. He thereupon explored further, and found the hole was 
about eighteen feet deep, and let into the wonderful passage which we have 
endeavored in vain to describe. After having satisfied himself of its great 
extent, he got possession of the farm which he thought covered the main portion 
of the cave, and soon afterward explored it thoroughly, and opened it to the 
public. Subsequently he sold it at a high figure to the "Howe's Cave Associa- 
tion," its present owners, and then retired to a small farm on the opposite side 
of the valley, where he still lives in peace and quietness. 

But I imagine our worthy president, who is seldom satisfied with any ex- 
ploration which stops much short of the profoundest depths, raising his massive 
brow, and with mien severe and measured tones, speaking thus: "Your ex- 
planation is good so far as it goes, young man, but recollect that the portion of 
time during which the present race of mortals have inhabited this globe, com- 
pared with that longer fragment of eternity which has elapsed since first this 
earth swung into space — a drop of molten matter — is as the time consumed by 
a cannon-shot passing over a hair's breadth space, to its whole flight ; what 
then does science say of the history of this cave — its complete history?" 

"That must be left to wiser heads than mine, but I can guess as well as 
another." 

"Then guess." Every Tahawan knows what follows disobedience to the 
dread orders of the president. With the fearful alternative before us then, we 
venture to say tha't the history of the cave may be divided into periods. 

First, when nearly " all the world was in the sea," and only now and then 
a mountain range or peak reared its head above the briny waters, the waves of 
the ocean found their way into a crevice which existed in this cavernous lime- 
stone. How that crevice was first formed, who knows ? Perhaps a mere crack 
was filled with softer material which easily washed out, and perhaps the internal 
fires of the earth made a fissure in this immense mass of limestone, ages after 
the limestone itself was built up on its basis of animal life ; for it is about 



settled, we believe, that the limestone formation, through its entire thickness 
of some eight miles, is made up of organic remains. However, the beginning 
was made, trie waves surged in and out of this cavern for ages, opening all 
these intricate passages, and ornamenting the sides and roofs with these shapes, 
like inverted mouldings in the style of Egyptian architecture. So far we are 
right ; nothing but water could ever have worn the rocks into such shapes, for 
these rare cornices are only duplicates of the markings which we see to-day upon 
rock-bound sea and lake shores, while the domes are simply inverted "pot- 
holes," formed by the swirl of waters. 

"What proof?" you ask, and the answer is ready: A little water-rolled 
pebble now before us, which we found more than two miles inside the cave, 
and there are hundreds more of them through its entire length. But there 
came a time when the waters subsided, and here closed the first period. 

Perhaps if it had continued, nature would have worn the whole limestone 
mountain away, and all the faster too for this subterranean work, for nature is 
always engaged at her task of exalting the valleys and bringing the mountains 
low. But the waters subsided, and this underground work stopped. 

Then came the second period, during which the water percolated through 
the rocks, dropping slowly and depositing perhaps a film of stalagmite in a 
hundred years or two. Calculate now how long this period continued, during 
which, by such constant dropping, a stone thirty-five feet in diameter would be 
deposited. 

Then came the last period, during which the present system of waters wore 
away the ancient stalagmites, and perhaps deepened the cave slightly. 

The average temperature of the cave is about fifty-five degrees during the 
entire year, seeming cool in summer and warm in winter. During the extremes 
of hot and cold weather it is a luxury to visit it. The air is pure and invigor- 
ating, visitors scarcely feel fatigue in traveling miles through it. High medical 
authority has pronounced it decidedly beneficial to those afflicted with pulmo- 
nary or lung difiiculties, and, in several cases, -immediate relief has been expe- 
rienced by those laboring under temporary colds, and depression of the lungs ; 
no case is known where any person has taken cold in being inside the cave. 

The whole is a wonderful creation and an interesting study, as well for those 
who admire the beauties and curiosities of nature, as for those who adore the 
Great Author of the Universe, anel delight in contemplating His wontirous 
works. 



Since the foregoing was written, a narrow-gauge railway has been commenced 
in the cave, which will be laid as far as the lake, without in any manner marring 
the natural beauties of the cave. This road is utilized for bringing out the 
remarkal)le deposit of clay that exists in a portion of the cave, which will be 
manufactured into building brick of a superior quality. By the removal of this 



17 

deposit of clay it is Ijelieved that many recesses in tlie mountain will be devel- 
oped and the cave stdl further added to in extent and grandeur. The railway 
when completed can be availed of by visitors upon returning to the mouth of the 
cave. It will be a very attractive and appreciable feature. 

A nominal fee is charged to visit the cave, and guides are furnished at 
reasonable rates. No extortion is practiced or allowed in this particular. 

Dressing-rooms, with costumes, and other requisites, have been provided for 
visitors in the hotel, and immediately at the entrance to the cave. 

The cave and " The Pavilion Hotel " with the surrounding property is owned 
by the Howe's Cave Association, which corporation also has extensive quarries 
and mines near by. From the quarries is taken some of the finest building stone 
in the state, and the stone from the mines is manufactured into the celebrated 
" Ramsey's hydraulic cement." These mines and quarries are interesting 
places to visit, and are inspected by many persons. 





ROUTES TU IJUWE'S CAl^E, 



19 



TF[OS. COOK & SON, 

TOURIST iEXGHRSION AGENTS: 

(ESTABLISHED 184I.) 

CHIEF AMERICAN OmCE, 261 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. 



TouiisT Tickets 

FOR 

BY ALL THE 

(§HIBP I^AILWAY, StBAMBOAIP 

AND Stage Lcines^ 

T(^ ALL PARTS OF THE 

UNITED STATES.CAMADA 

AND lO 

MIL PRRTS OF THE GLDEE, 



COOK'S TICKETS are issued under special arrangements with the 
companies over whose lines they are available. They are issued specially for 
pleasure travel, and in many cases 

AT REDUCED RATES. 

Full particulars in COOK'S EXCURSIONIST, published monthly, by 
mail, for ten cents. 

Address, THOS. COOK & SON, 261 Broadway, NEW YORK. 

Branches— Boston, 197 Washington St. Philadelphia, 337 Walnut St. 
St. Louis, cor. of Sixth and Pine Sts. Cleveland, 133 Superior St. 



20 



Delaware & Hudson Qanal go's 



:rj^xiljT^(DJl.id&. 



SRMTOGR 



H 



TO THE 



SPRIJ^GS, LAKES AMD MOUNTAINS 

il'^rr _F(9i^r^#7; Caw ad/, 

Montreal, Quebec, 

THE flDIRONDKCKS, 

LUKE GEORGE, 

LHKE CHHMPLSIN, 

SHRHTOGS, 
HOWE'S CSYE, 

SHKRON SPRINGS, 

COOFERSTOWN. 

Pullinan X or X Waper x Gars x on x TIjrough x Trains. 

Send for descriptive pamphlets and information as to rates, time tables, etc., to 

B. M. KENURICK, BEneral PassEnger Mgent, or 

J. UI. BURDICK, Rss't Den] Pass. Mgent, Mlbany, N. Y. 



feLAWARE- & lUDSO.N-i^ 
^ iANAL io'S ~ 






SUSQUEHANNA DIV/ 



THIS DIVISION BETWEEN 



BINGHAMTON AND ALBANY, 

ALONG WHICH ARE 

F^owe's (Save, 

Shai^on Spp^ings, 

AND @OOPEI^STOWNj 

Is attracting in an unsual degree the attention of Tourists to 
the 

REMARKABLE BEAUTY OF THE GOUNTRY 

through which it passes. There is 

NOT A MILE OF MONOTONOUS SCENERY, d,^ 

_^THROUGHOUT ITS ENTIRE LENGTH, 

and it is the united verdict of the thousands of pleasure seekers 
who are atrracted thither every year, that the hne holds unique 
and UNEQUALED POSITION in the character of its 

SCENIC ATTRACTIONS. 



22 



EST* SHORE + ROUTE! 

Superbly Built and Magnificeutly Equipped Double Track Line Between 

pfeW JovX, Albany, iTtica, Syracuse, I^ochester, 
Buffalo and pliagara palls, 

Forming, in Connection with Other Popular Koads, the 

DIRECT AND QUICK ROUTE 



^^CANA1>A. DETROIT, CHICAGO, ST. I.OI IS, D^ 
AND THE WEST AND SOUTHWEST. 



FINEST PULLMAN BUFFET SLEEPINg %m, 

EVER PLACED IN SERVICE ON ANY LINE ARE RUN REGULARLY 

Between BOSTON and CHICAGO, 

BOSTON and ST. LOUIS, 

NEW YORK and CHICAGO, 

NEW YORK and ROCHESTER, 

NEW YORK and DETROIT, 
NEW YORK, BUFFALO and NIAGARA FALLS. 



JlJagnificent Pullman Buffet Parlor Cars 

With i;lcu;aiit interior dci orations of the latest designs, arc run regularly 
Between BOSTON and ROCHESTER, 
NEW YORK and ALBANY, 

NEW YORK, BUFFALO and NIAGARA FALLS, 
NEW YORK and CATSKILL MOUNTAINS, 
NEW YORK and SARATOGA, 

NEW YORK, HOWE'S CAVE and SHARON SRINGS. 

Trains to and from New York nin via the picturesque West Shork of Hudson River and 
through the Mohawk Valley. 

ONLY ALL-EAIL KOUTE TO OATSKILL MOUNTAIN EESOETS. 

^f For time tables ami infMini.ition address 

HENRY MONETT, General Passenger Agent, 

280 Broadway, New York City. 



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miE ^'i^s.sor - cxj-^ss 



EYENING LINE^JUDSON RIVER 



BET'^;^EEinsr 



^Mp^oMft'm^;^^ 



Capt. S. J. ROE. 



Dean Richmond/^ 

Capt. THOS. POST. 



FROM PIER ^4 NORTH RIVER, 

FOOT OF CANAL STREET, Near Jersey City Ferry, Desbrosses Street, 

At 6.00 p. M. EVERY WEEK DAY, 

Connecting at ALBANY A^ith Trains of the New York Central 
for the WEST; Delaware & Hudson Canal Co.'s Roads for all 
points NORTH; SARATOGA, MOUNT MeGREGOR, LAKE 
GEORGE, LAKE CHAMPLAIN, SCHROON LAKE, and the ADI- 
RONDACK REGIONS, RUTLAND, BURLINGTON, PLATTS- 
BURG, AND AUSABLE CHASM, ST. ALBANS, MONTREAL, 
OGDENSBURG, THE WHITE MOUNTAINS; Albany & Susque- 
hanna for HOWE'S CAVE, COOPERSTO^A^N, OTSEGO LAKE, 
RICHFIELD SPRINGS, SHARON SPRINGS; and Boston, Hoosac 
Tunnel & Western R. R., Boston & Albany R. R., for LEBANON 
SPRINGS, PITTSFIELD and the EAST. Local Trains for TROY 
every half-hour, connecting with Troy & Boston R. R. Also for 
HOOSAC FALLS, WILLI AM STO^A/■N and NORTH ADAMS. 

staterooms Secured arid I'ic^ets ^old in pleW yorl^, 

At the prinjipal Hotels anl Tickets Offices th.ro-aglio-at the South, and 
at the OftLce on 

Pier 41 (Old Ho,), 'North River, foot of Canal St,, 

AND ON BOARD STEAMERS. 

Passengers from the South take Desbrosses Street Ferry from Jersey City, landing only one 
Pier from Peoples Line Dock. 



J, H, ALLAIRE, General Ticket Agent, 

Pier 41, N.;r., Foot of Canal St., N. Y. 



M, B, WATERS, General Passenger Agent, 

ALBANY. 



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Jooper6toWn, §tAcgo Ji^ake, p. ^. -^ 
^♦•^ — 

Tliis House is the Principal Hotel at Cooperstown, and is well worthy its 
Ijeautiful surroundings. It is an extensive and finely constructed building, 
standing on high ground, in the middle of a fine Park of ten acres, 80 feet 
above Otsego Lake, and 1800 feet above the level of the sea. Exceeded by 
few, if any, of the resorts of the Catskills or the Adirondacks. 

©UI^B (QOUNTAIN flll^, no OALAI^IA, 

no CQUSQUITOES, I7AY Rbvbi^ Uni^nown. 

The Hotel has elegant aecommodations for 500 guests. All viodeni im- 
provements. Hot and cold ivater baths. A never-failing supply 0/ pnre spring 
water. 

The Uuisine at the Hntel has long be en nnted as one of 
the best in tha Cnuntry. 



iBTIEI^M: X^A.TJWUItYs 



SUPEl^IO]^ f STftBLIlJg f M0OI]QII]ODftTIOIJS, ^c. 
FINE SAIL .^' EOW BOATS TO BE HAD AT ALL TIMES. 

TliK Cooper IIousk will be kept in every way for first-class patronage, 
at prices ranging from $15 to $25 per week. Open from June 25lh to Oct. 1st. 

Daily Coiiiiniiiiicatioii witli RicMcliI Springs, Howe's Cayc, Etc. 

From MEW YORK, COOFERSTOWM is reached by either Boat or Rail to 

ALBANY, and thence by the D. & H. C. Co'3 R. R. 

Parlor Cars on All Trains. 

For further parlicul.irs aiklress the uiulcrsigned. 

S. E. CRITTENDEN, Proprietor. 



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